Fresh & Easy is a new chain, from Britain, that is opening up many new stores in the U.S. It has an interesting model and approach.
They basically saw the popularity and growth of Whole Foods and their high prices,and is going after that market, but with some differences.
Their stores are smaller and offerings and variety are much more limited. Prices are better. In a lot of ways, the stores save on labor. No counters to order specialty foods from clerks, and automated checkout. Gourmet foods, yes, but all packaged up & wrapped.
I think they fill a gap & are far more interesting than the usual Von’s, Albertson’s, etc. But they are not as elaborate or expensive as the Whole Foods and Bristol Farms.
Mira Mesa desparately needs a Trader Joes, Henry’s, or Barrons…amazing that that big a population center doesn’t have one of these. Fresh & Easy will be better than the old-line supermarkets there.
